Blog

Are the Small/Minority Business Certification Programs Right for Your Business?

The government is a huge, diverse market with many buying offices. If you are interested in selling to the government, you should first answer some basic questions and gain a general understanding of how the government buys. Does the government buy your products/services? If yes, how do they buy?

o Does the government buy my products/services?
o Is the local government your target market
o Are you a good candidate for DBE/MWBE/SBE certification
o Do you meet the requirements for DBE/MWBE/SBE certification
o The procurement function in Colorado
o Understanding the different certification programs

Why It's Important to Have A Capability Statement and What is the Purpose of a Capability Statement?

Due to the heightened competitive market place in the construction/transportation industry, Capability Statements are no longer common in the public sector procurement and are not exclusive to government contracting. They are now effective in the private sector. In order to be competitive and stay successful in your markets, a capability statement is a critical tool no matter what size company you represent.

CDOT has selected Kiewit Meridiam Partners (KMP) as the preferred proposer to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Central 70 Project. KMP was chosen from four teams of finalists who submitted proposals for the project in early June. Over the next few months, CDOT will work with KMP to finalize the contract. KMP is expected to be fully on board by 2018 with construction scheduled to begin in spring of 2018. In addition to submitting a proposal that will deliver Central 70 on time and on budget, KMP will further CDOT’s commitment to local communities, including a $1 million contribution from KMP to student scholarships and other community programs.

KMP also brings a proven track record of delivering some of Colorado’s largest and most complex projects, including Denver Union Station, I-225 Rail Line, Pecos Street Over I-70 Bridge Replacement, the US 34 Big Thompson Canyon Emergency Repairs, and the Transportation Expansion (T-REX) project. Kiewit's 70-year presence in Colorado also includes building the second bore of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel in 1975. Learn More...

Did you know? If you are an existing business and would like to learn more about how to become certified for government contracts or the procurement process, the SBDC has consultants through Connect2DOT who can give you some guidance. Sign up for consulting and mention that you are wanting to expand into the government sector.

How to Do Business with Transportation Agencies
a Colorado Small Business Collaboration Conference
Thursday, September 21st, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
PPA Event Center | 2105 Decatur St. | Denver

This will be a full day of learning and networking with Regional Transportation District (RTD), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Denver International Airport (DEN), with presentations from prime contractors/consultants and other small businesses in the transportation industry.

The exhibitor hall will be packed full of primes and statewide resource partners. Come find out about how to do business with the agencies and capitalize on contracting opportunities to build capacity and take your business to the next level. Exhibitor tables are available @ $250.

Meet with CDOT procurement and department staff at the first ever “Day at CDOT!”

Wed., July 29th

9:00-11:00 AM or 1:00-3:00 PM

Location:

CDOT HQ: 4201 E. Arkansas, 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80222

(Bring an ID to enter)

CDOT is opening the doors at Headquarters in Denver and inviting contractors, suppliers, and professional service providers to meet with key purchasing decision makers. Come find out how various departments operate and how CDOT buys the type of products and services you provide.

You can sign up for a morning or afternoon session and spend some time visiting with CDOT staff at their informational booths. You will also be able to participate in a training session on how to register and use the CDOT Vendor Portal to bid on open solicitations.

If you have an innovative product and are interested in contracting with CDOT, this is an event you don’t want to miss! For more information, please call (303) 757-9236.